Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage from Express Scripts: Plan Options, Eligibility Requirements, and Cost Implications
Express Scripts (Cigna) Offers Affordable Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans for 2025
For those eligible for Medicare, affordable prescription drug plans are now available through Express Scripts (Cigna). These plans, which first became available in 2006, are offered by private companies and provide a basic level of coverage, although costs vary among plans.
Different Plans, Different Costs
Express Scripts Medicare Part D plans come in three tiers: Saver, Assurance, and Extra. Each plan offers a balance between premium costs, drug coverage breadth, and out-of-pocket expenses.
- Saver: This plan is ideal for those who mostly use generics. It has the lowest premiums, with a focus on generics and very low costs.
- Assurance: This plan is suitable for those receiving financial assistance or subsidies. It offers moderate premiums, low copays, and low costs for many generics.
- Extra: This plan offers broad drug coverage, lower out-of-pocket costs, and a wider pharmacy access. It is more comprehensive and often has a higher premium but lower overall cost sharing for medications.
The premiums for these plans vary by location and individual circumstances. For example, the Saver plan has a premium ranging from $0 in New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington to $41.60 in New York, and a deductible of $590 for all tiers. The Assurance plan has a premium ranging from $0 in Arkansas, Arizona, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington to $102.50 in South Carolina, and a deductible of $590 for tiers 3, 4, and 5 only. The Extra plan has a premium ranging from $35.60 in Alaska to $146.60 in New York, and a deductible of $175 for tiers 3, 4, and 5 only.
Catastrophic Coverage
When a person's out-of-pocket drug costs total $2,000, they reach catastrophic coverage and will pay nothing for their prescription drugs for the rest of the year.
Enrollment and Penalties
Enrollment in a Part D plan is optional, but if a person chooses to enroll at a later date, there may be penalties. The official enrollment period for 2025 plans begins on 15 October 2024 and ends on 7 December 2024.
Checking Your Options
To check for available Express Scripts prescription drug plans in your area, use the online tool that allows you to search by zip code. This tool can help you find the plan that best suits your needs and budget.
Express Scripts, founded in 1986, became part of Evernorth in 2020 after being acquired by Cigna in 2018. The company offers a range of services, including Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. With these plans, a person can choose which pharmacy to use, between home delivery and retail pharmacies.
For the most accurate pricing and coverage information, check the official plan brochures or the Medicare Plan Finder tool once open enrollment starts, or contact Express Scripts Medicare directly. It's essential to review the plan formularies (drug lists), deductibles, copays, and other costs carefully before enrolling. Detailed lists of covered drugs and cost-sharing specifics can be obtained directly from the plan documents or the plan’s customer service.
- Express Scripts (Cigna), as a healthorganization, offers affordable Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans for 2025, which are provided by private companies and cater to individuals eligible for Medicare.
- There are three tiers of Express Scripts Medicare Part D plans - Saver, Assurance, and Extra - each offering a balance between premium costs, drug coverage, and out-of-pocket expenses.
- Science plays a significant role in the development of therapies-and-treatments for various health conditions, and some individuals may choose to supplement their healthinsurance with science-backed supplements or nutrition to further support their health-and-wellness.
- In the case of an emergency, such as exposure to a biological agent like anthrax, one may seek immediate medical attention, for which Medicare would cover a portion of the treatments, while the individual might incur other out-of-pocket expenses.
